A terrain-based site characterization map of California with implications for the contiguous United States

We present an approach based on geomorphometry to predict material properties and characterize site conditions using the V_S30 parameter (time‐averaged shear‐wave velocity to a depth of 30 m). Our framework consists of an automated terrain classification scheme based on taxonomic criteria (slope gradient, local convexity, and surface texture) that systematically identifies 16 terrain types from 1‐km spatial resolution (30 arcsec) Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation models (SRTMDEMs). Using 853 V_S30 values from California, we apply a simulation‐based statistical method to determine the mean V_S30 for each terrain type in California. We then compare the V_S30 values with models based on individual proxies, such as mapped surface geology and topographic slope, and show that our systematic terrain‐based approach consistently performs better than semiempirical estimates based on individual proxies. To further evaluate our model, we apply our California‐based estimates to terrains of the contiguous United States. Comparisons of our estimates with 325 V_S30 measurements outside of California, as well as estimates based on the topographic slope model, indicate our method to be statistically robust and more accurate. Our approach thus provides an objective and robust method for extending estimates of V_S30 for regions where in situ measurements are sparse or not readily available.